Over the last few years, state agencies have directed their attention toward rural areas in a variety of ways, offering benefits to help these areas of the state catch up with some of the economic growth that cities like Atlanta have enjoyed.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is not a state agency, but it kind of led the way with the opening of its satellite office in Tifton in 2017.

Last Thursday, the state chamber began accepting applications for its inaugural Rural Awards.

“Countless people and organizations are making a difference in our rural communities,” Tiffany Holmes, director of the Center for Rural Prosperity, said in the chamber’s announcement. “The 2024 Rural Awards is an opportunity to recognize all they have accomplished over the last year. I am looking forward to celebrating with the entire Georgia Chamber of Commerce, all that is being done to increase long-term economic prosperity in rural Georgia.”

There are two awards:

— Rural Champion: This award honors a person, business, organization, or program actively addressing challenges in a rural community. Areas of impact may include healthcare, transportation, community development, economic development, education, agriculture, preservation, infrastructure, housing, placemaking, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.

— Rural Community of the Year: This award recognizes a rural community that has been successful in addressing challenges and promoting prosperity for its citizens. The winning community will host the Rural Prosperity Council for a quarterly meeting the following year.

Nominations are due Aug. 15. Winners will be notified on or about Aug. 31, and the awards luncheon will be Oct. 3 during the Rural Prosperity Summit in Tifton.

The awards are available only to rural counties, but in Southwest Georgia that’s every county except Dougherty and Lowndes.

Do you know of someone — a person or a business or an organization — that is working to make your rural county better? Nominate them at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCCRCA.

Has your community been successful at navigating challenges? Brag a little bit, and nominate it at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCCCOTY.

We look forward to covering whoever wins.